Technical Program Manager, Space Systems

Company Overview

Vantor is forging the new frontier of spatial intelligence, helping decision makers and operators navigate what's happening now and shape what's coming next. Vantor is a place for problem solvers, changemakers, and go-getters - where people are working together to help our customers see the world differently, and in doing so, be seen differently. Come be part of a mission, not just a job, where you can: Shape your own future, build the next big thing, and change the world.

Eligibility & Compliance

To be eligible for this position, you must be a U.S. Person, defined as a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, Asylee, or Refugee. Export Control/ITAR: Certain roles may be subject to U.S. export control laws, requiring U.S. person status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3).

Role Summary

As a Technical Program Manager, Space Systems, you will lead execution of one of our most advanced space programs from system design through Initial Operating Capability (IOC). You will be responsible for driving the successful delivery of the Vantage satellite system by integrating engineering, manufacturing, suppliers, launch preparation, mission operations, and customer stakeholders into a single executable program. This role owns technical program execution - not engineering design authority. You will partner closely with engineering leaders to ensure technical decisions, schedules, risks, suppliers, and operational activities remain aligned to mission objectives. Success requires balancing technical understanding with exceptional execution, anticipating issues before they become program risks, and driving cross-functional teams toward critical milestones. You will coordinate internal engineering organizations and external partners responsible for spacecraft development, payload integration, launch preparation, ground segment integration, mission operations, and system commissioning. From preliminary design through launch, LEOP, on-orbit commissioning, and operational readiness, you will ensure every element of the mission comes together as a cohesive operational capability. We are looking for someone who thrives in fast-moving environments, communicates clearly across technical disciplines, makes informed decisions quickly, removes execution barriers, and maintains relentless focus on delivering mission success.

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, or a related technical discipline
• 10+ years of technical program management, systems engineering, or engineering leadership experience delivering complex aerospace or high-reliability hardware systems
• Demonstrated experience managing development and execution of spacecraft, satellites, launch vehicle systems, or similarly complex multidisciplinary engineering programs
• Experience leading cross-functional technical programs spanning multiple engineering organizations and external suppliers
• Strong understanding of spacecraft development lifecycles from design through integration, environmental test, launch, commissioning, and operations
• Experience coordinating hardware, software, systems engineering, manufacturing, integration and test, mission operations, and customer stakeholders
• Experience managing external contractors, subsystem vendors, and strategic suppliers
• Demonstrated ability to identify technical, schedule, and programmatic risks early and drive effective mitigation plans
• Experience managing complex technical schedules, dependencies, critical paths, and program milestones
• Familiarity with spacecraft integration and test campaigns, launch site activities, and mission readiness reviews
• Understanding of ground segment integration, space-to-ground interfaces, mission planning, and operational readiness activities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively across engineering teams, executives, customers, and external partners
• Demonstrated ownership mentality with a history of driving programs to successful completion in fast-paced, execution-focused environments
• Ability to travel as required to customer locations, suppliers, integration facilities, launch sites, and operational centers

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience delivering complete space missions from concept through Initial Operating Capability
• Experience managing development of remote sensing, Earth observation, ISR, or other exquisite spacecraft and payload systems
• Experience coordinating spacecraft bus development, payload integration, and system-level verification across multiple organizations
• Experience integrating commercial and government-furnished equipment (CFE/GFE) into operational space systems
• Experience leading development and verification of space-to-ground interfaces across spacecraft, communications infrastructure, mission operations, and ground software
• Experience planning and executing Launch and Early Orbit Operations (LEOP) and on-orbit commissioning campaigns
• Experience preparing organizations for operational readiness, mission rehearsals, and sustained on-orbit operations
• Familiarity with launch vehicle integration activities and launch campaign execution
• Working knowledge of systems engineering practices including interface management, technical baselines, configuration management, verification planning, and risk management
• Experience supporting U.S. Government space programs or National Security Space missions
• Active U.S. Secret security clearance or ability to obtain and maintain one

Pay Transparency

• The base pay for this position within Colorado is: $135,000.00 - $180,000.00 - $198,000.00 annually. For all other states, we use geographic cost of labor as an input to develop market-driven ranges for our roles, and as such, each location where we hire may have a different range. Additionally, this position is incentive eligible with a target based on contribution, company performance, and/or individual results achieved; the specific incentive plan and target amount will be determined based on the role and breadth of contributions.

Benefits

• Vantor offers a competitive total rewards package that goes beyond the standard, including a robust 401(k) with company match, mental health resources, and unique perks like student loan repayment assistance, adoption reimbursement and pet insurance to support all aspects of your life. You can find more information on our benefits at:

EEO Policy

Vantor is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive workplace. We believe in fostering an environment where all team members feel respected, valued, and encouraged to share their ideas. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, protected veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

We also provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities in compliance with federal and state laws.